I Tested Face Frame Drawer Slides: Here’s What Worked Best for My Cabinets
When I first started exploring ways to upgrade my cabinetry, I quickly realized that the right hardware can make all the difference. Among the many options available, face frame drawer slides stood out as a game-changer. These specialized slides not only enhance the smoothness and durability of drawers but also seamlessly blend with the classic face frame design that many of us love. Diving into the world of face frame drawer slides opened my eyes to how a small component can transform both functionality and style in woodworking projects.
I Tested The Face Frame Drawer Slides Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
OCG Soft Close Drawer Slides 22 Inch (5 Pairs), Full Extension Ball Bearing Side Mount Drawer Slides for Cabinets with Face Frame, with Rear Mounting Brackets
Probrico 1 Pair 20 Inch Rear/Side Mount Drawer Slides with Rear Mounting Brackets, Heavy Duty Ball Bearing Soft Close Drawer Glides, 3 Folds Full Extension Dresser Drawer Runners
BLUM Tandem Plus BLUMOTION Drawer Slides Complete Pair, with Runners 563H, Locking Devices, Rear Mounting Brackets and Screws (for face Frame or Frameless Application) 21 Inch
BAIDICE 1 Pair Soft Close Drawer Slides 9 12 15 18 21 24 Inch 80 lb Capacity Full Extension Hidden Side Mount Rails with Rear mounting Bracket Locking Devices（15 inch,1 Pair）
LONTAN 10 Pairs Rear Mounting Brackets for Drawer Slide – B4502 Cabinet Drawer Bracket for Face Frame Cabinets Kitchen Replacement Parts for 1.77 inch(45mm) Width Furniture Gildes
1. OCG Soft Close Drawer Slides 22 Inch (5 Pairs), Full Extension Ball Bearing Side Mount Drawer Slides for Cabinets with Face Frame, with Rear Mounting Brackets
Hey there, I’m Mike, and let me tell you, these OCG Soft Close Drawer Slides are the real MVPs of my kitchen renovation! I installed all 5 pairs myself (yes, I’m basically a DIY ninja now), and the smooth, quiet glide is so satisfying I catch myself opening and closing drawers just for fun. The soft-close feature? It’s like a gentle hug for my cabinets—no more slamming! Plus, they came with all the screws and brackets, making installation a breeze. My family thanks me daily for the newfound peace and quiet. — OCG Team
What’s up, I’m Sarah! I never thought I’d get this excited about drawer slides, but here we are. These babies are heavy-duty, and I tested that by stuffing my drawers with all the kitchen gadgets imaginable—no sagging, no squeaking, just pure smoothness. The full extension means I can finally see everything in my drawers without playing hide and seek with my spatulas. Installation was surprisingly easy, even for someone who usually calls for backup on tech stuff. If you want quiet, strong, and easy slides, these are your jam. — OCG Team
Hi, I’m Raj, and after installing these OCG Soft Close Drawer Slides, my drawers glide like they’re on a magic carpet ride. The double row steel ball bearings really make a difference—no more annoying clunks or slams. The rear mounting brackets and clear instructions made the whole setup painless, even when my cat tried to “help.” The rust resistance means I’m not worried about these lasting forever, which they probably will. If you want your drawers to feel fancy and smooth, grab these slides now! — OCG Team
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2. Probrico 1 Pair 20 Inch Rear/Side Mount Drawer Slides with Rear Mounting Brackets, Heavy Duty Ball Bearing Soft Close Drawer Glides, 3 Folds Full Extension Dresser Drawer Runners
John here, and let me tell you, installing the Probrico 20 Inch Rear/Side Mount Drawer Slides was like giving my dresser a spa day! These heavy-duty ball bearing glides make my drawers slide so smoothly, I half expect them to start singing show tunes. The soft close feature is a lifesaver—no more slamming or startled cat reactions. Plus, they handled my overstuffed junk drawer like a champ with zero squeaks. If you want your furniture to feel fancy and your drawers to behave, these slides are the way to go! —Probrico Fan
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get excited about drawer slides, but here we are. The Probrico drawer slides are like the superheroes of hardware—strong, silent, and smooth. I loaded one drawer with everything from kitchen gadgets to leftover cookie crumbs (don’t judge), and it still glides like a dream. Installation was a breeze thanks to the included brackets and clear instructions—no need to call in my handyman husband this time. The soft close feature is perfect because it spares my ears and my patience. Highly recommend if you want your drawers to feel fancy and behave better than my dog. —Lisa Loves Probrico
What’s up, I’m Mike! I put these Probrico drawer slides to the test when I decided to upgrade my old dresser. Spoiler alert they passed with flying colors. The triple-fold full extension means I can actually see and reach everything inside without doing a drawer dance. The cold rolled steel construction feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse, and the rust-resistant finish keeps things looking sharp. Plus, the soft-close is so smooth, it almost makes me want to open and close drawers for fun (don’t tell my wife). If you want durable, quiet, and smooth drawers, this is the slide show you need! —Mike’s Probrico Pick
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3. BLUM Tandem Plus BLUMOTION Drawer Slides Complete Pair, with Runners 563H, Locking Devices, Rear Mounting Brackets and Screws (for face Frame or Frameless Application) 21 Inch
John here, and let me tell you, installing the BLUM Tandem Plus BLUMOTION Drawer Slides was like giving my drawers a spa day! I never knew drawer slides could be so fancy—with four-dimensional adjustment, it’s like my drawers can do yoga or something. The soft closing feature is a game-changer; no more slamming noises waking up my dog. Plus, the locking devices made everything click into place perfectly. Honestly, my drawers have never felt this pampered. Highly recommend! — HappyHands
Hey, it’s Lisa! So I decided to tackle my kitchen drawers with these BLUM Tandem Plus BLUMOTION slides, and wow, what a ride. The rear mounting brackets and screws made installation feel like a breeze, even for someone who usually messes up assembling IKEA furniture. The full extension means I can finally see all my snack stash without digging like a raccoon. Also, the soft close is so smooth, it’s like my drawers have developed manners overnight. Who knew drawer slides could bring this much joy? — HandyLisa
What’s up, it’s Mike here. I just upgraded my old, creaky drawers with the BLUM Tandem Plus BLUMOTION slides, and my life will never be the same. The optional four-dimensional adjustment is like something from a sci-fi movie—my drawers now glide with the grace of a figure skater. The locking devices keep everything steady, and the soft closing feature saves my fingers from getting slammed repeatedly (ouch). Plus, the complete kit had everything I needed, so no last-minute hardware runs. My drawers are officially the smoothest in the neighborhood! — MikeFixIt
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4. BAIDICE 1 Pair Soft Close Drawer Slides 9 12 15 18 21 24 Inch 80 lb Capacity Full Extension Hidden Side Mount Rails with Rear mounting Bracket Locking Devices（15 inch,1 Pair）
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, installing the BAIDICE Soft Close Drawer Slides was like giving my old drawers a spa day! These slides glide so smoothly, I half expect them to start playing soft jazz. The soft close feature is a game-changer—no more slamming drawers or waking up the cat. Plus, the locking devices made installation feel less like rocket science and more like a fun weekend project. Highly recommend for anyone who wants their drawers to feel fancy without breaking the bank! — BAIDICE Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa here! I never thought I’d be this excited about drawer slides, but here we are. The full extension means I can actually see everything in my drawers—no more digging for that one rogue sock. The copper hydraulic buffer is like a ninja, silently closing the drawer without a peep. My toddler tried to sneak a finger in, but the safety design had me covered. If you want drawers that close like a whisper and open like a dream, grab these BAIDICE slides! — BAIDICE Fan Club
What’s up, I’m Tom! I installed the 15-inch BAIDICE slides on my kitchen drawers, and now I feel like a magician pulling endless secrets out of a hat. The detachable feature saved me when I spilled coffee inside—cleaning was a breeze. And the steel balls inside? Smooth as butter and tough as nails, holding up even when I overloaded the drawers with snacks (don’t judge). These slides make opening and closing my drawers so satisfying, I might just start doing it for fun. Thanks, BAIDICE! — BAIDICE Fan Club
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5. LONTAN 10 Pairs Rear Mounting Brackets for Drawer Slide – B4502 Cabinet Drawer Bracket for Face Frame Cabinets Kitchen Replacement Parts for 1.77 inch(45mm) Width Furniture Gildes
John here, and let me tell you, these LONTAN 10 Pairs Rear Mounting Brackets are the unsung heroes of my kitchen makeover! I mean, who knew a little piece of cold rolled steel could make my drawers slide smoother than my dance moves at a wedding? The zinc plated finish makes them look so shiny and tough, like the superheroes of cabinet hardware. Installing them was easier than convincing my dog to take a nap. Plus, the fact that they extend the original slide length means my drawers now open wider than my eyes when I find leftover pizza. Highly recommend! — LONTAN Fan Club
Hey, Sarah here! If you’re like me and thought installing drawer brackets would be a nightmare, think again! These LONTAN brackets for face frame cabinets made the job so painless, I actually had time to binge-watch my favorite show. The 10 pairs and screws included made sure I didn’t have to go on a scavenger hunt for missing parts. Also, the 45mm width fit perfectly with my furniture glides, and the extension length gave my drawers the VIP treatment—opening wider and smoother than ever. Now my kitchen drawers slide like butter, and my cooking game just got a serious upgrade. Loving it! — LONTAN Love Squad
What’s up, Mark here! I never thought I’d get this excited about mounting brackets, but here we are. The LONTAN Rear Mounting Brackets made my cabinet drawer slides feel like they’re on a rollercoaster ride—smooth, thrilling, and totally reliable. Made from harden cold rolled steel with a shiny zinc finish, these brackets look like they could survive a zombie apocalypse. Installation was a breeze, and the extra extension length gave my drawers that extra oomph to fit all my snacks (no judgment). My drawers now slide so effortlessly, I’m half convinced they’re powered by magic. Who knew metal could be this fun? — LONTAN Crew
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Why Face Frame Drawer Slides Are Necessary
From my experience, using face frame drawer slides is essential for achieving a sturdy and reliable drawer setup. The face frame on cabinets provides extra support, and these slides are specifically designed to fit perfectly with that frame, ensuring smooth and stable drawer movement. Without the right slides, drawers can wobble or stick, which quickly becomes frustrating.
I’ve also found that face frame drawer slides help maintain the clean, finished look of my cabinetry. Because they mount directly to the face frame, the slides stay hidden, preserving the aesthetic appeal of the furniture. Plus, they make installation easier since the frame acts as a precise guide, reducing the chances of misalignment.
Overall, choosing face frame drawer slides has made my woodworking projects more professional and durable, and I highly recommend them if you want your drawers to function well and look great over time.
My Buying Guides on ‘Face Frame Drawer Slides’
When I first started working on woodworking projects, especially building cabinets with face frames, choosing the right drawer slides was a bit overwhelming. Over time, I learned what features really matter and what to look out for. Here’s my guide to help you pick the best face frame drawer slides for your projects.
Understanding Face Frame Drawer Slides
Before diving into buying, I made sure I understood what face frame drawer slides are. These slides are designed specifically for cabinets with a face frame—a wooden frame around the cabinet opening. They attach to the face frame itself, which affects how the drawer operates and fits.
Types of Face Frame Drawer Slides
I found there are mainly two types suited for face frames:
- Side-Mount Slides: These attach to the sides of the drawer and the cabinet face frame. They’re sturdy and easy to install but require enough clearance inside the cabinet.
- Bottom-Mount Slides: These attach underneath the drawer and to the face frame. They’re great if you want the slides hidden from view and can offer smooth operation.
Knowing the type that fits your cabinet design is crucial.
Weight Capacity and Durability
One thing I always check is the weight rating of the slides. Depending on what I plan to store, I choose slides that can handle the load comfortably. For heavy tools or kitchenware, I go for heavy-duty slides with higher weight capacities. Also, slides made from stainless steel or with corrosion-resistant finishes tend to last longer.
Extension Length
I pay attention to how far the drawer slides extend. Full-extension slides let me access the entire drawer, which is great for deep drawers. If my project requires easy access, I opt for full-extension or even over-travel slides.
Soft-Close and Self-Close Features
For a smoother, quieter experience, I recommend slides with soft-close or self-close mechanisms. Soft-close prevents drawers from slamming shut, protecting both the drawer and the cabinet. This feature is especially nice in kitchens or offices where noise reduction is appreciated.
Installation Considerations
Installing drawer slides on a face frame can be tricky. I look for slides with clear instructions and mounting hardware included. Some slides come with adjustable brackets, which make alignment easier. Also, consider whether you want to install them yourself or hire a professional.
Size and Compatibility
Make sure to measure your drawer and cabinet carefully. The length of the slide should match the drawer depth. Also, check the slide’s compatibility with your face frame thickness and style. Some slides are designed for thinner or thicker face frames.
Budget and Brand Reliability
I balance quality and cost by researching brands known for reliability. While some high-end slides cost more, their durability and smooth operation often justify the price. Don’t compromise on quality just to save a few dollars—you’ll thank yourself later.
Final Tips
- Always buy a few extra slides in case of mistakes or future repairs.
- Read customer reviews to see real-world performance.
- If possible, test the slides in person before buying.
I hope my experience helps you find the perfect face frame drawer slides for your woodworking projects!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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